How ADHD Is Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask questions about your current symptoms and your background with ADHD. He will also look over your family history.
Most often, people are diagnosed with ADHD later in their lives. A major event such as a pregnancy or relationship problems can prompt awareness of the problem. The first step to manage ADHD symptoms and improving function is to get an assessment.
Characteristics
Children who have the diagnostic criteria for ADHD have a lot of trouble being seated, waiting to be called, and paying attention at school or other settings. These issues can greatly impact their performance at work, at home, or school. The symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity should be present for a minimum of 6 months and be significantly greater than what is expected for the child's age or developmental level. Additionally, they should be causing significant distress and issues at school, at home or at work, as well as in relationships.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD requires an exhaustive clinical examination by a trained health care professional. This could include a thorough physical examination and a look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or thyroid disease. The doctor will also look at the person's family history as well as review medical, psychiatric and academic records. He will also inquire with the patient about their symptoms. Children are asked questions based on their age and parents are also able to be interviewed.
The doctor will apply the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults and children that are described in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The provider will look at the person's past and current behavior and how it affects their social, professional and family life. If it is possible the therapist will review the person's school and childhood experiences.
When evaluating adults, a provider will look into whether they have mental health issues that is co-occurring, as well as the presence of ADHD in the family. People who have family members who suffer from the disorder are more likely to suffer from it themselves.
If a healthcare professional suspects someone may have ADHD, they will perform a full clinical evaluation. This involves examining the patient's current symptoms and asking them to keep a journal every day of their symptoms over a time of several weeks. The doctor will also inquire about any other issues the patient has, and will use the DSM-5 symptom guide to determine if they have any of the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Many health care providers who are interested in ADHD or have a specialization in mental illness can test and diagnose the disorder. Clinical psychologists, nurse practitioner psychiatrists, physician assistants and psychologists are all qualified to diagnose ADHD. Some family doctors diagnose ADHD in adolescents, children and adults. They might send adults to a full assessment.
A thorough medical exam which includes a thorough assessment of sight and hearing, is the first step towards diagnosing ADHD. A doctor may also recommend a brain scanner known as an EEG Based Assessment Aid (NEBA) to determine the relative intensity of theta and beta waves in the brain. This type of scan can be used to test for ADHD in a non-invasive, secure manner.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history including his psychiatric and medical history dating back to childhood. He will also discuss the person's present symptoms and coping mechanisms. The doctor checks to see if the person meets the diagnostic criteria for either inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined ADHD presentations as defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
For teens and children who are being assessed for ADHD, the doctor may request teachers and other individuals who spend much time with the child to complete questionnaires or checklists. He or she may also ask parents to complete these forms. Adults are often asked to speak to their spouses, co-workers and other close family members. They might also want to interview someone who has known the person since childhood.
During the diagnostic process, the mental health professional looks for signs that indicate whether the person is experiencing predominantly inattentive or primarily hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. He or she will also determine the length of time the symptoms have been present and whether they cause difficulties at home, school or at work, or in other aspects of daily life.
The mental health professional should also look for other disorders that share symptoms with ADHD like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. He or she should also look for any physical causes for the person's symptoms, such as thyroid dysfunction or sleep issues. A thorough examination will also look at the person's social, emotional and family history.
Treatment
Children with ADHD must learn to manage their symptoms. Family members can help them by encouraging school staff to monitor the child with a keen eye, giving positive feedback and being flexible and patient. They can also instruct methods of relaxation and calming, such as yoga or meditation. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can boost the ability of a lot of children suffering from ADHD to concentrate and focus. Sugary foods and beverages can cause more symptoms. Also, they should ensure they get enough sleep.
Symptoms of ADHD can persist throughout adolescence and into adulthood. In adults, they could manifest in the form of difficulties at work or in relationships. A health care provider will conduct an evaluation to determine whether a person is suffering from ADHD and the severity of it. This usually involves a mental health history along with a physical exam, and interviews with the individual and their parents, a spouse or a life partner, and other people who know him or her well. The healthcare provider might request an inventory of the person's symptoms and how they affect him or her. The doctor may also use rating scales and other tests to determine that the person is in compliance with standard criteria for ADHD. He or she may also ask about any medical conditions that can be similar to ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorder and seizure disorder.
If someone is diagnosed as having ADHD, medication will be prescribed to treat symptoms. Stimulants are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD as well as in children and adults. These medications have the potential to cause adverse consequences, and therefore a person should only use them under a doctor's supervision and with a prescription. Discuss with your doctor the medications you take. Certain drugs can interact with stimulants and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Many individuals with ADHD need to try a variety of types and dosages of medication before settling on one that works for them.
Prevention
In some cases it is possible to reduce exposure to triggers from the environment can help to prevent ADHD symptoms. These can include the way you eat, your sleeping habits, family structure, medication and exercise. A GP can help you in identifying ways to manage triggers and recommend a dietitian to get nutrition advice or other assistance.
Children can also be helped by keeping their routines the same by limiting sugar and caffeine, and taking regular vitamins and minerals supplements (consult your GP). Avoid taking supplements that do not have research-based backing or that might be incompatible with certain medications.
Adults who believe they may have ADHD should seek out an expert in mental health such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for an assessment. The doctor will go through medical records, perform a physical examination and conduct a thorough medical history to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The therapist will talk to the patient, examine the person's behavior in different settings and use the standard rating scales. getting diagnosed with adhd or she will also consider the duration and presence of the core ADHD symptoms, and if they result in significant impairments in the person's life.
Therapists may collaborate with a patient as well as their family to improve parenting skills, teach time management, and other organizational techniques. They may also train the patient in metacognitive abilities, which involves identifying and changing "thinking distortions" that can cause negative moods or the perception of limited options. Psychologists can prescribe certain medications and collaborate with mental health professionals to provide complete treatment.
Parents can also assist by providing a stable and loving home with clear expectations and rewards, promoting good sleep hygiene and refraining from stimulants. They should encourage their child to interact with others and build a healthy relationship between them and their loved ones.
The staff at the school may provide valuable information on behavior and learning issues in the child, but they are not qualified to diagnose ADHD or make treatment decisions. These decisions must be taken by the child's parents, health provider, and teacher with the support of each other.